Sustainability Tour 2024 Weekly Blog#7: Exploring Sustainable Living through EU China Cooperation, from Yellow River Eco Farms to Circular Economy in Shaoyang

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Sustainability Tour 2024 - Weekly Blog#7: Exploring Sustainable Living through EU-China Cooperation, from Yellow River Eco-Farms to Circular Economy in Shaoyang

In week 7 of the Sustainability Tour 2024, we visited Henan and Hunan. Vlogger Sunfengren shared two EU-China collaboration projects with us: the EU-China Sustainable Agriculture Project in Zhengzhou, Henan and the EU-China Circular Economy Demonstration Project in Shaoyang, Hunan.

© European Union, 2024

This week, we follow vlogger Sunfengren on his journey to Zhengzhou and Shaoyang to explore sustainable living through EU-China cooperation. In Zhengzhou, he experienced firsthand the harmony between agriculture and nature at an eco-farm, while in Shaoyang, he discovered how waste can be given a new life.

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A Sustainable Landscape Along the Yellow River: An EU-China Eco-Farm

Location: Zhengzhou, Henan

In Zhengzhou, Sunfengren cycled 16 km to the Zhongyuan Organic Farm, reducing carbon emissions by an estimated 3.2 kgs.

At the farm, Sunfengren learned about organic farming techniques including converting agricultural waste into fertilizer and using drip irrigation to conserve water-practical measures for environmentally friendly and sustainable agriculture.

The farm collaborates with the EU on farming techniques and variety selection to introduce and cultivate new crops while applying water-saving technologies, such as drip irrigation. These methods effectively conserve water, reduce fertilizer use, and improve efficiency. The farm also practices sustainable organic farming by converting waste into fertilizer for vegetable crops. These practices not only protect natural resources but also provide healthier and more sustainable food options for the local community.

In discussions with the research institute's team leader, Sunfengren gained a deeper understanding of the farm's environmental practices. The farm's production process avoids contaminating groundwater and soil, aligning with the EU principles of sustainable agriculture: ecological protection, organic fertilizer use, and water conservation. Meanwhile, Zhongyuan Farm has established partners for technology and planting varieties in the EU at various levels, including cooperating with the EU to introduce and cultivate new varieties and adopt water conservation and recycling technology such as drip irrigation. The farm also adheres to the organic planting method. After collecting organic waste such as fallen leaves and branches, the farm turns it into sustainable fertilizer. Measures like these are the result of a close EU-China cooperation in sustainable agriculture.

Additionally, locals can claim their own vegetable plots at the farm, participate in the process of growing agricultural products, and bring those organic products into cities. This involvement helps locals better understand the benefits of agriculture, contribute to environmental protection, and support sustainability. Sunfengren's visit to the farm revealed the charm of organic agriculture and highlighted the role of EU-China cooperation in promoting sustainable farming, ecological protection and sustainable living.

Giving Food Waste a New Life: The EU-China Demonstration Project on Circular Economy

Location: Shaoyang Hunan

This week, Sunfengren continued his tour to Shaoyang to visit a local food waste treatment project. Starting from a restaurant, he cycled through city streets and country roads, covering 18 km and reducing his carbon footprint by approximately 3.6 kgs.

At the food waste treatment facility, he witnessed how food waste is transformed into energy. He learned that this process not only reduces waste but also conserves resources and minimizes environmental pollution, offering a vivid example of the circular economy in action.

Through a conversation with the project manager, Sunfengren gained insight into the EU's contribution to promoting environmental protection and the circular economy. The Agence Française de Développement (AFD) provides loans and technical support, including anaerobic jars, for the project. The project also used EU-standardized processes that enhance the efficiency of waste treatment. The facility processes everyday 200 tons of waste transported by 34 waste trucks from 3,400 collection points.

Sunfengren learned that the food waste goes through a sustainable collection and disposal process. Through treatment, recycling, and conversion to energy, the process reduces greenhouse gas emissions, standardizes food waste management, and improves the local environment and sanitation.

Sunfengren also gained a deeper understanding of the importance of the circular economy. Standardized management and technological innovation enable waste to be transformed into valuable resources, delivering greater environmental benefits to society. This project serves as a model of EU-China green cooperation in action.

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These two trips highlighted the importance of sustainable living. In Zhengzhou, Sunfengren learned how eco-farming fosters harmony between humans and nature, while in Shaoyang, he discovered how the circular economy transforms waste into valuable resources. Stay tuned as Sunfengren continues his journey, sharing new insights and inspiration for sustainable living at our destination next week!